By Spencer Porter

Despite the ever increasing number of people who decide to move from the rural to have a taste of the urban life, it cannot be denied that farming is something that will not be a total threat to urbanization.

Even if more people decide to migrate from their rural areas, there are still people who won't leave their lands in exchange for the urban life. For as long as food and fresh air are still part of our basic necessities, farming and agriculture would not or should not be left in careless abandon.

Even if the world is constantly developing or progressing, it will not make any sense if food, healthy food at that, will no longer be accessible to all. Because of progress, the world may be able to afford to pay for the food they are going to eat but if the farmers gradually start to lose interest in farming or agriculture, then people might have to endure the consequences of modernization and urbanization. Our hope lies on the rest of the farmers who weren't thinking about switching to a different career. Fortunately, because of progress and modernization, technology has made way for efficient forestry and agriculture equipment such as farm tractors (John Deere, Caterpillar and other famous brands), plows, tillers, loaders and other farming related innovations to help them deliver the best of their production.

Even rich people who decide to move out of the city because they want to live in a peaceful, healthy and stress-free suburb would also know the importance of eating healthy food that they are also into farming themselves. Some of them are buying large hectares of land and devote a large area for farming and agriculture, both for consumption and commercial purposes. Soon enough, we will already solve shortage of food production if we ourselves will put an effort to produce our own food, even if our planting or farming be limited only to growing selected vegetables, crops and fruit-bearing trees in our backyard.

For the record, there is an increasing demand for forestry and agriculture equipment, like tractors, loaders, wagons and other farm machinery. This is hopefully an indication that we are getting better towards balancing modernization, industrialization, livelihood, farming and agriculture.

By Anne Costigan

al-Andalusia's Water Raising Systems
Saqiya's were Egyptian in origin and were in use since 250 BC. Saqiya's were animal-powered waterwheels. The Moors introduced them to the Iberian peninsula. Thousands of Saqiya's pumped and supplied water to the vast Valencian Orchards

Norias were self-turning waterwheels. They were a large wheel, edged with scoops, that emptied their contents into a tank or aqueduct. They functioned alongside rivers with currents.

Ship Mills operated mid-stream, in swiftly flowing rivers, rendering the heavier work. There were four in the Guadalquivir River in Cordoba; three functioned until recently.

al-Jazari
A maestro-designer of many water pumps and water clocks of the 13th century. The suction-pump design was derived from al-Jazari's work. Renaissance piston pump designs originated from many Islamic designs.

How Important were Water-Powered Mills and Wheels?
Extremely - Whole Industries Thrived from Their Crushing or Grinding Abilities.

* Textiles: wool was compacted
* Metals: gold ores were crushed
* Paper Manufacture: fibres were crushed to pulp
* Wood Mills: Timber was sawn
* Agriculture: flour was ground, rice was husked, sugar-cane was pressed

Other Industries Arose

* Sugar refineries
* Production of Gunpowder
* Textile weaving: silk, cotton, specialising in Merino wool
* Steel production lead to ship building
* Paper manufacture
* Ceramics/Porcelain: losa dorada: lusterware tableware and glazed tiles
* Tanneries: Cordovan embossed leather work
* Inlaid marquetry
* Steel and Gold Manufacture.

al-Andalus commodities

* Granada was a major silk producer and of guns and knives
* Exquisite silks and brocades were woven in Almeria and Sevilla
* (Spanish Christians and European royals were enthusiastic clients for al-Andalus merchandises)
* Cordoba specialised in tapestries and leather work
* Toledo was famous for its swords, inlaid in gold and silver Damascene decor
* Malaga was famed for the quality silks and wool
* Salibat for paper production
* Almeria for glass manufacture and brass
* The Algarve was famous for its tiles

What was Introduced?
Moorish Agriculture introduced many plants, the most significant were sugar-cane and cotton. Diet, fashion and culture were revolutionized.

The Moors brought many new vegetables: aubergines, asparagus, spinach, and artichokes. New fruits appeared: Pomegranates, limes, lemons, oranges, melons, cherries, coconuts, peaches, strawberries, figs, pistachios and coffee. New crops: rice, hard wheat, maize, sesame. New spices: saffron, ginger, mustard, cloves, nutmeg, cumin and cinnamon.

Iberian peninsular vines and olive groves were improved on. Mulberry bushes were grown: the staple diet of the silk-worm.

Crops were cultivated for three basic reasons: General Consumption, Animal Foodstuff or for Fibre.

Soil Preparation
Organic growing ruled. Crops were harvested more times in al-Andalusia than in the any other European country. Spain became a green garden. The warm climate, however, was not the the reason why.

Every event was carefully documented. Soil was repeatedly analysed and studied for many, many years. Different manures were applied to distinct soils. Al-Andalus crop rotations spanned over a period of several years - unlike European crop systems. Land quality was re-optimized with regenerating plants.

Watching the Calender
Clocks and calenders fascinated the Arabs. Land timetables existed for watering times, prayer time and optimum harvest dates were always documented. Grafting: when-and-where was a speciality, equally: rising plant-sap and its repose periods, to know when to prune. A famous treatise on botany was published: the Cordova Calender. It cleverly linked agricultural important dates to Christian Holy dates.

Continuation
The snaking irrigation channels: acequias and water storage tanks: aljibes were built - by the farmers. They knew each section and how they had constructed them. Unlike the Roman army, who built, in place of the populace. The farmers would prove vital if something needed repairing. Landownership created a pride for caring the individual plots - Europe functioned under a feudal system and slaves had no pride in work done.

Prosperity and well being thrived. The healthy diet of al-Andalusia created a population boom. It was water and the proper use of water that created an unsurpassed level of civilization that was unknown in Europe.

Agriculture is the backbone of our society. Without agricultural workers, no one would be able to eat. Unfortunately agricultural workers also face some of the harshest working conditions of any industry. They work longer hours, often for less pay, than people in nearly any other line of work. Even if their working conditions are less than ideal, however, they are entitled-like everyone-to work without facing discrimination.

Discrimination can affect anyone, but is most commonly faced by women and people from marginalized groups, such as religious and ethnic minorities. Discrimination because of personal characteristics unrelated to the line of work is illegal. When a worker faces unfair treatment because of their race, age, religion, gender, or other characteristics, legal action can be taken to put an end to the discrimination.

It is also illegal to discriminate against an employee by citizenship status. Setting aside other factors, simply being a foreign resident has no impact on a person's ability to do a job. There are many citizens who are less capable and experienced than immigrants, and often not enough citizens to fill the demand. In short, what passport you hold doesn't affect your ability to work.

Many of America's agricultural workers are temporary migrants from Mexico. Since there are often not enough American citizens who are willing to do agricultural work, Mexican workers step in to fill the gap. Contrary to popular belief, most of them return to Mexico for most of the year. The arrangement benefits both sides: American agriculture receives work that would not otherwise get done, Mexican workers take better pay home to help their families.

If you or someone you love have faced discrimination in agricultural work, you are entitled to take legal action against discriminatory employers. Everyone, no matter what their background, is entitled to a discrimination-free workplace.

To learn how an experienced Texas employment attorney can help you, call the compassionate Texas employment lawyers of the Ross Law Group today.

By James Wachai

The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) has come up with this online database of women scientists working in the field of agriculture.

The database's objectives are:

* To promote activities such as diversity-positive recruitment.

* To promote international teamwork among women agriculturalists

* To promote cross-cultural communications among women scientists in the agricultural sector.

* Showcase women talent in the field of agriculture.

* Advance women's interests by availing information on scholarships and agricultural-related training opportunities.

I am more interested in the last two objectives. CGIAR largely operates in developing countries that suffer chronic food shortages. Among its many programs, CGIAR uses modern agricultural biotechnology to solve poor countries' food problems.

There is a whole gamut of women scientists working in the field of agricultural biotechnology. Many have, and continue to excel in their respective areas of specialization. Africa, for example, has Dr. Florence Wambugu who has distinguished herself as an ardent advocate of agricultural biotechnology as an affective tool to alleviate hunger and malnutrition.

There are more women scientists of Dr. Wambugu's competence in the developing world, but they are hardly known beyond the borders of their countries. Existing societal biases makes it hard from them to explore opportunities for advancement. This makes it hard for them to grow both professionally and career wise. This database must elevate the profile of such women scientists. The agricultural world needs them.

The biotech industry is fast gaining prominence. Africa and other developing regions of the world would only benefit from the many potential applications of biotechnology not only by developing a mass of well trained biotechnologists, but also exposing them to the world. This database is an invaluable avenue for women scientists wishing to explore the world.

To ensure that this database better benefits women scientists, CGIAR should consider working closely with national and international scientific institutions because they well understand the needs of their women scientists.

By Jim R Regan

The industrials sector of the stock market is where I am most involved nowadays. While the big names like General Electric (NYSE: GE) and Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT) may not jump out at you as big gainers, plenty of these rock-solid companies have been hit unfairly, and I see value. As an added bonus, industrials companies often act as a hedge to thriving markets like agriculture. We've got some killer stock picks for this week, lets see what we can dig up.

Industrial Machinery - Harsco (NYSE: HSC)I may be a sucker for fallen stocks, but Harsco's drop off their highs was especially unwarranted. You want proof? How about beating fourth-quarter earnings estimates of $0.70 with $0.74 and increasing 2008 guidance. How about topping revenue expectations by $75 million. Harsco manufactures in mill services and gas technologies.. they are the top dogs in a boring market, and I'm loving it. A whopping 70% of their sales are international, and even in a slowing world economy, an unusually high rate of recurring service revenues gives me confidence in Harsco's ability to maintain earnings momentum. Don't be concerned with rising costs and problems in home construction, Harsco's end markets such as global steel production and non-residential construction are expected to remain firm in 2008.

Despite slight challenges in Mill Services in the most recent quarter, Harsco outperformed with strong gains in Rail & Mineral Technologies. I see nothing but upside in growth for 2008, and with a key acquisition possibility, Harsco could completely out-do themselves. Access Services has a nice hedge against a possible falling non-residential construction since about 25% of their industrial maintenance business is recurring. Very protected from a slow-down, and undervalued at $55 versus a target of $75... I put a purchase price at under $54 for Harsco. Conglomerates - 3M (NYSE: MMM)3M is big-time diversified, offering everything from scotch tape to respirator devices. After raising 2008 guidance, multiple firms have issued BUY upgrades from HOLD in January. Investment research firm Stern Agee believes that 10% EPS growth in 2008 appears done deal under virtually any scenario." This kind up build-in security net from a further economic downturn is just what we want. 3M right now is the kind of excellent company that investors are a bit antsy about buying back into after a fall-off from previous highs of $95 to $75. I affirm that there is no problem here; get in now before the big movers start to buy the shares back up.

We love international growth in a bloated US market, and 3M has 65% growth overseas... 30% of that in high-growth emerging markets. They are the "no magic required" investment we want in 08'. None of their business segments should have ANY problem creating the level of growth built into current valuations, and Reuters has downside estimated at 5% compared to a 15%-17% upside. There certainly aren't any bells and whistles about 3M, but their global footprint in emerging markets positions them well to benefit from steady business ventures with relatively low risk. With a target price at $95, and an appropriate purchase price at $77-$79, I feel that this conglomerate juggernaut is a winner.

Industrial Engineering - Jacobs Engineering Group (NYSE: JEC)In their most recent earnings release (January 21, 2008), management at Jacobs Engineering Group hinted toward strength in key end markets, such as energy, which leads me to believe they will be at least matching their 15% year-over-year growth initiative. Also in this call, they beat earnings estimates by a few cents and increased 2008 guidance, citing a favorable pricing environment among other factors. This positive outlook "includes variance in the U.S. Economy." But what I like most about Jacobs is their visibility. Operating margins fared better than expected in a challenging environment, and backlogs increased to nearly $15 billion, yes billion. Granted, this stellar growth may be more of a challenge for the year, but I feel that they can at least produce strong gains in the second quarter. If guidance remains positive at this point, the sky is the limit.

JEC is undervalued in my opinion, and their continued performance hasn't missed a beat. When the market turns, Jacobs should be ready to ride the bull. On top of a strong free cash flow position, they have virtually no debt. They operate in four sectors: oil & gas, chemicals, national government and infrastructure, each with plenty of potential. Energy seems to be their most anticipated gainer in 2008, suggesting that clients offer a "commitment to spending" amid low volatility incurred by oil prices. Add this in with a steady pipeline of products, and we see oil & gas well leveraged in the market. I target Jacobs at a one-year $96 tag, and feel an appropriate purchase price should be from $70-$73.

Ag. Machinery and Construction - Manitowoc (NYSE: MTW)I have been a fan of Manitowoc cranes for the past few quarters, now we finally have the market underpricing this company like we want. Manitowoc competes with Terex (NYSE: TEX), an excellent company by all marks with high growth potential. However, I feel that most analysts miss on the fact that Terex's cranes are low quality... workers want Manitowoc! They have already capitalized on international demand, and smashed earnings estimates of 68 cents with 74 cents. Earnings reports also yielded that continuing operations performance rose 119% year-over-year and sales of cranes jumped 56%. Manitowoc's management confirmed that despite worries about the housing construction market, MTW's operations were indeed minimally exposed to the pain.

There is no reason for this trend to slow in 2008, and trading under $40 is just not fair. We all know that the agriculture market has been surging as of late. Manitowoc has a hand in producing related equipment, and is also a major player in the emerging Asian markets... where non-residential construction is constant. Management believes they can maintain strong growth by focusing on new product introductions, market share increases (achieved by cross-selling through its expanded distribution network), and improved penetration in Asia. Prior to the sell-off in late-2007/early-2008, the crane industry was seen as "in the middle of a multi-year up-cycle" in demand and production. I expect this trend to continue now that shares of Manitowoc have unprecedentedly been crushed off their highs. I can see them hitting $54 a share, with an appropriate purchase price just under $39 for optimal value.

There are plenty of places to look for growth in 2008 out of the industrials sector. While I did not find any defense & aerospace companies particularly appetizing, I am bullish on the industry and would suggest looks at United Technologies (NYSE: UTX), Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT). Agriculture giants like Deere & Co. (NYSE: DE) may make viable investments as well, but you must be wary of the premium you often need to shell out for shares of stock. Please feel free to email me any stock questions you may have. -The Net Fool

By Alisa Baumer

At the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) convention earlier this month in Chicago, former President Bill Clinton sent a message to those in attendance: the biotechnology industry has a job to do.

In his speech, the former President discussed the importance that biotechnology has in food security and health issues in the developing world. He said the first obligation of society is to feed people and that biotechnology can help individuals feed more people while addressing environmental concerns. He also stressed the need for interdependence in the world today as well as the unsolved problems that biotechnology is uniquely suited to face.

Clinton also discussed the need to efficiently manage agricultural production. He mentioned several key aspects of environmental health that agricultural biotechnology can address, including climate change and top soil erosion.

"All of these applications of biotechnology have the potential to lift people out of poverty," he said.

The former President also asserted that scientific evidence should rule any debate over issues such as genetically modified foods. He said that in America, we "should be driven by science, evidence, and argument, not by assertion and fear."

Former President Clinton called upon the biotechnology industry to work to reduce the spread of a variety of diseases, including infectious diseases, guard against pandemics, create genetically engineered foods that will feed more of the world's hungry, tap into sources of renewable energy, and confront global warming head on.

"When we empower individuals to feed and care for their families," he said. "It is a good thing."

As President, Bill Clinton supported the development of biotechnology and its practical applications in American life, as well as the development of genetic engineering and agriculture, and since he left office in 2001, President Clinton has dedicated almost all of his time to support causes, from raising funds for Hurricane Katrina victims in the United States to helping individuals with AIDS receive the drugs they need. He has seen first hand the needs that biotechnology can address around the world and the good that genetically modified foods can bring to developing nations in feeding the poor.

I agree with what former President Clinton said in his speech. Modern biotechnology holds such an importance in the world today and these continued developments should not be driven by the fearful beliefs that those opposed to biotechnology and genetically modified foods continuously try to impose upon the general public.

The world needs to support biotechnology, genetically modified foods, and the innovative developments the technology can bring in order to ensure a better future and life for all.

By Segun Olowookere

Sustainable agriculture is the ability of a farmer to produce food in such a way that the environment and surrounding ecosystem, is unaffected by their agricultural activities. There are a couple of issues that are connected with this form of agricultural activity which are the biophysical issue and social-economic issue. Biophysical is related to the biological activities such as crop rotation, usage of fertilizers and artificial nutrients and the availability of the other resources such as water, wind and sunlight whereas social-economic is concerned with the employment of farmers, the cost of production and total yield.

Talking about the physical attributes of sustainability, it is not properly understood. Most farming practices show that the end result of these practices has resulted in soil erosion, salination and water-logging. Most forests and tropical areas have lost their fertility due to over-cultivation and conventional farming techniques. These conventional farming techniques are being replaced by sustainable agriculture techniques. These techniques include usage of modern fertilizers, genetically-engineered crops, artificial nutrients and usage of renewable sources of energy.

There are many sustainable techniques for extracting nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium which are essential for plant growth. For nitrogen, we can use nitrogen-fixing bacteria's and the Haber Process to industrially extract nitrogen from the air. As far as phosphorous and potassium are concerned, right amounts of them can be mixed with nitrogen to produce high-yielding fertilizers.

In most areas, rainfall is sufficient to cater the needs of water supply but in other areas irrigation is required. These irrigation systems should be properly utilized in order to make the best use of the water available. Channels should have proper and adequate distribution. Moreover water logging and excessive use of chemicals should be avoided as these lead to salination. Some technologies such as tube wells and water drilling have considerably increased the spread and availability of water.

Natural Resources these days are scarce and bad agriculture practices mean their extinction. Moreover, these habits also contribute a hand to pollution and damage of the ecosystem. Crops at the time of their distribution should be accounted for the sustainability equation. This means that all the expenses of crop production and distribution should be taken in account before doing the final cost benefit analysis.

There is a big debate between different businesses, farmers and scientists on making the agriculture sustainable. One of the few practices can be growing many crops in a single field. This will reduce the loss of nutrients and will eliminate the chance of soil erosion. On the other hand, climatic conditions and water resources will be best utilized. Monoculture is another method that pertains to sustainable agriculture. This process consists of growing only one crop in a field, but it's not highly encouraged because it will result in soil losing it's fertility overtime.

Over-grazing is also one factor that is contributing to soil erosion. This factor's impact can be greatly reduced by introducing a sustainable approach known as grazing management that include dividing grazing area into paddocks which are easy to manage and takes less space.

The sustainable agriculture does affect the overall food yield and it needs to increase because of ever-increasing world population but these techniques sometimes do negatively affect the environment e.g. usage of fertilizers use to eutrophication and burning of forests to clear land for cultivation may lead to carbon dioxide emissions. Some exponents who favour sustainable agriculture agree on using organic farming. Although this technique yields comparatively low but can be used as an alternative in those areas which are drought-pronged. It's an expensive method but if people are educated about the usage of this technique, then there are fair chances that it will be used widely and new techniques will be introduced which will increase the output in future.

Another recent ideas that has flocked in market to achieve sustainability demands the introduction of vertical farms which will isolate the crop from pests, provide full year production and on-site production. Again, cost is the major concern which disallows this sustainable agriculture technique.

We can simply deduce the fact that sustainable agriculture is the need if modern world but considerations are to be made as the implementation of these techniques is not quite feasible and requires some thought. Although, really beneficial this technique still remains a dream for under-developed and developing nations.

By Baron J. Woods

Many investors shy away from agricultural investments because of the misconception that agriculture is a risky venture. However, whether the venture is risky or not really does not lie in the sector, but more on the investor himself. Agricultural investments have its defined risk and benefits. It will indeed be very risky if one were to invest in low quality land. However, the case if very different if we were talking about prime investment grade farmland which provides stable and consistent returns while appreciating the principle.

Investors who do not have a foot in the agricultural commodity market is sorely missing out. I would guess that almost 90% of those reading this has absolutely no idea how the agricultural commodities can benefit them. This is not your fault entirely as most stock brokers and hedge fund managers are always calling for more buys into properties and bonds. Investors often call the agricultural commodity 'risky', but these are the very same folks who buy heavily into funds where they watch their shares go to zero. No commodity has ever gone to zero, and they never will.

Agriculture is the staple of almost every country's economy. By being able to provide the basic necessarily of life - food, agriculture commodity creates a tremendous economic impact. It cannot be denied that the food and farming industry is critical to the balance of trade and employment in every nation. All across the country, it is agricultural farmland that supports the economic base of nation. Let us not forget the impact that China will have on the worlds agricultural economy. The United States has a population of about 280 million, and about 330 million crop acres in production. In similar comparison, China has 1.4 billion people living off 270 million crops acres! The economic boom in China is imminent and just starting.

In recent years, the land and agricultural business has not received the best of press. There are a few selected companies out there which are measured as trustworthy, and all it takes is determination on your part to seek out these companies and to learn about investing in the agricultural commodity. Investing in agriculture can be very lucrative to the informed investor. Therefore, it is highly advisable that you seek and follow the latest news on very exciting sector.

By Chris Mark Fletcher

Agriculture and forestry are two industries which:

1. Employ a large number of people
2. Fulfill almost all our essential requirements.

For the welfare of whole of mankind, it is essential that these two industries function efficiently. Efficiency is closely linked to the use of the latest technology, machines and other heavy equipment. Improvement in efficiency does not come cheap.

Forestry and agricultural equipment financing is the best way to overcome the problem of lack of money.

Use of heavy duty equipment is not unheard of in agriculture and forestry. Hectares of wheat cannot be reaped overnight unless tractors, reapers and other proper machinery are used.

A few strong men may cut a tree very quickly but lifting and transporting the tree over long distances is best left to cranes and trucks. Heavy machinery and equipment is essential for agriculture and forestry. That is the reason why forestry and agricultural equipment financing is considered so important.

Parameters Which Determine Requirements

One cannot adopt a 'one size fits all' approach with respect to farm equipment. The requirement of machinery depends on:

o The type of industry
o The function it serves
o The scale of operations
o The capacity of the individual enterprise

Modern Agricultural practices require equipment like:

a) Grain Harvesters
b) Grain Threshers
c) Cleaners.
d) Hay bailers
e) Tractors
f) Power Tillers
g) Ploughing equipment
h) Planting equipment

The use of equipment contributes a lot to the overall efficiency of agriculture. Unless genuine sources of forestry and agricultural equipment financing exist, high efficiency and high productivity would remain fancy words devoid of real import.

On the other hand, landscape companies, although dealing with land and plants, require a completely different set of equipments. These companies need:

- Large mowing equipment
- Edging equipment
- Mulching equipment
- Turf maintenance equipment, irrigation system like sprinkler system, drip system and so
on.

Agricultural and Forestry enterprises may also need to invest in specialized equipments like automated milking machines, food processing equipment etc to come up with newer ways to boost productivity.

Agricultural and Forestry enterprises may also need to invest in specialized equipments like automated milking machines, food processing equipment etc to come up with newer ways to boost productivity.

How To Get The Best Deal?

When seeking agricultural and forestry equipment financing, do keep in mind the following points:

1. No one will lend money to you unless the lender is assured of your ability to repay. Hence, be prepared for filling forms, completing formalities and submitting documents.
2. Do not expect huge loans to be cleared overnight. These transactions do take a bit of time. Keep this in mind when making your plans. Do not forget to provide time to deal with loan related formalities and contingencies.
3. Make sure you fulfill the minimum qualifications to be entitled for a loan before you apply for the same.
4. Search around for the best deal. A loan that charges the lowest rate of interest will help you save a lot of money in the long run.
5. In your quest to get the best deal, do not end up dealing with fraudulent financing companies. Deal only with genuine financing companies.

The forestry and agricultural financing companies are offering better and better deals. Some companies offer the facility of filling applications for the loans over the internet as well.